"Alright, class! I hope you all made good use of your time yesterday because today we'll be diving into our speeches," the teacher announced, her voice projecting with authority and enthusiasm, filling the classroom with a sense of purpose. The students shuffled in their seats, some nervously flipping through their notes, while others exchanged encouraging smiles.
"Hinata, if you could go first please," the teacher called out, gesturing for Hinata to step forward.
Hinata's heart fluttered with a mix of excitement and anxiety as she gathered her carefully prepared notes, her hands trembling ever so slightly. Taking a deep breath, she mustered her courage and made her way to the front of the class.
As Hinata stood there, her eyes scanned the room, absorbing the expectant faces of her classmates. They looked on with curiosity, some offering subtle nods of encouragement, while others leaned forward in anticipation. Her gaze then shifted to the back of the classroom, where the teacher sat, her supportive presence providing a sense of comfort. Their eyes met, and the teacher responded with a reassuring thumbs-up and a nod, silently conveying confidence in Hinata's abilities.
However, as her eyes roamed the room, seeking a sense of familiarity and comfort, they unexpectedly locked with Sasuke's piercing gaze. A jolt of electricity surged through Hinata, causing a rush of warmth to flood her cheeks. Flustered by the intensity of their eye contact, she instinctively averted her gaze, seeking solace in the safety of her meticulously prepared notes.
The encounter had caught her off guard, making her acutely aware of the vulnerability of speaking about someone she didn't know well in front of a room full of unfamiliar faces. The weight of judgment from her peers amplified her self-consciousness, threatening to undermine her confidence. Yet, determined to overcome her unease, she took a deep breath, willing herself to regain composure.
Summoning her courage, Hinata raised her gaze once more, determined to face the challenge head-on. She reminded herself that this speech was an opportunity to share her insights and perspective, to connect with her classmates on a deeper level. The momentary distraction of Sasuke's gaze gradually faded into the background as she focused on the task at hand.
"From the very first moment I met Sasuke, I was struck by his unwavering focus and quiet confidence. He possesses an air of mystery that intrigues those around him, and his piercing gaze holds a depth that is both alluring and intimidating. But beyond this stoic facade lies a remarkable individual with a wealth of talents and qualities.
Sasuke is a person of few words, but when he does speak, his words carry weight and significance. He possesses an analytical mind, capable of dissecting complex problems and finding innovative solutions. His intelligence is matched only by his unwavering dedication to excellence, and always strives to push himself beyond his limits. In the face of adversity, Sasuke remains steadfast, refusing to be deterred by challenges that would daunt others.
Despite his reserved nature, Sasuke possesses a deep loyalty to those he holds dear. His unwavering friendship with Naruto, a testament to the bonds he forms, reflects his steadfast commitment to those he considers family. He may not express it in conventional ways, but his actions speak volumes about his devotion and willingness to protect those he cares about.
In conclusion, Sasuke Uchiha is more than meets the eye. Behind his quiet demeanor lies a formidable individual with a brilliance that shines in both his academic pursuits and personal relationships. As we embark on this journey of understanding and discovery, I am confident that we will come to appreciate the depth and complexity that makes Sasuke the remarkable person he is."
Hinata's heart skipped a beat as she made her way back to her seat, passing Sasuke in the process. She couldn't help but steal a glance at him, searching for any indication of his thoughts. His expression remained stoic, his dark eyes giving away nothing. It was difficult to discern whether he was pleased or indifferent about her speech.
As she settled back into her seat, anticipation tingled in the air. All eyes were now on Sasuke, waiting to hear his perspective. A hush fell over the classroom as he stepped forward, exuding an aura of quiet confidence that demanded attention.
Sasuke began his speech, his voice steady and composed. His words flowed effortlessly, capturing the essence of his subject with a precision that left the room captivated. "Today I stand before you to shed light on a remarkable individual who has left an indelible mark on my perception of strength and resilience. Hinata Hyuga, a name that resonates with determination and unwavering courage. Like the tranquil surface of a hidden lake, her quiet demeanor conceals a depth of character that defies expectations. In a world where voices clamor for attention, Hinata's gentle spirit shines as a beacon of authenticity, reminding us all that true strength lies not in loud proclamations, but in the unwavering pursuit of one's convictions."
Naruto stared at the numbers on the board, his brows furrowed in frustration. The thought of studying math in college puzzled him, and he couldn't help but voice his confusion. "I mean, seriously, why do we have to learn math again? We've already covered this stuff in middle school and beyond," he grumbled under his breath, erasing a problem he had made a mistake on.
Ino, seated next to him, turned her attention towards Naruto upon hearing his remark. She leaned closer, peering at his paper. "Well, it's more about reinforcing what we've learned and keeping the concepts fresh in our minds," she explained, her voice gentle. However, her gaze couldn't help but linger on Naruto's striking ocean blue eyes. A soft blush painted her cheeks, and she quickly averted her gaze, realizing how close they had unintentionally become. "Do you need any help?" She asked, her voice laced with genuine concern.
He raked his fingers through his hair, contemplating her question. "Maybe," he responded, a hint of uncertainty in his voice. "I mean, I appreciate the offer, Ino. But, I was thinking about asking Hinata to tutor me. She's always been so good at math, and it would give me a chance to spend more time with her. Maybe even gather the courage to ask her out," Naruto admitted, a glimmer of hope in his eyes.
Suppressing her disappointment, she mustered a fake smile, masking her true feelings. "Well, Naruto, I wish you the best of luck with that plan!" She replied, her tone masking her true feelings. She understood the importance of friendship and supporting Naruto's pursuit of happiness, even if it meant pushing aside her own desires.
As the class continued, Ino resolved to be there for Naruto as a friend, ready to offer assistance or lend an ear whenever he needed it. Deep down, she hoped that Naruto would eventually see her for who she was—a steadfast companion who cared deeply for him.
"Those were some great speeches, class. We will continue with another project with the same partners. This one will be done in a week." The teacher said as they handed out a piece of paper to everyone.
"Meet me at the front." Sasuke said walking out of the room
Not sure why Sasuke was in a haste, Hinata packed her things and made her way out of the classroom. As she reached her locker to retrieve her belongings, she felt a sudden presence behind her. Startled, she turned around to find herself face to face with a guy sporting white hair.
"Hey." His voice was just above a whisper, his face inching towards her own as he closed the distance between them. "That was a great speech you made in class. Too bad I was distracted by that cute blush on your face."
Hinata hugged her body and looked at everything except for the man in front of her. She bit her lip nervously, thinking about a proper response to his advances disguised as 'praise'. "Thank you." She stuttered. "I was busy taking—"
He lifted his hand and cupped her cheeks, successfully pushing her into silence at the bold movement. "What's a girl like you doing without a man at her side? I can tell you don't like him like the others do. What do you say we grab something to eat together, my treat?" He smiled tauntingly, daring her to oppose his proposal.
Too scared to shake her head, she stared at his shark-like teeth with awe and fear. "I'm not interested, I'm sorry." She whispered, her voice stopped in her throat as his hands trailed from her cheek to her shoulders and then her waist. Why was no one paying attention to them? Who was this guy?
"Are you playing hard to get, princess?" The pet name left his mouth laced with annoyance and partial anger. "I don't think you want to say 'no' to my offer." He gripped her waist tightly, ignoring the way she whimpered in pain as her eyes filled with tears. "Don't look at me that way." He whispered into her ear, "you sound ravishing."
Placing her hand on his chest in an attempt to get him off her, thoughts ran around in her head at light speed. She was scared and she didn't know what more to say since she had already turned him down. It seemed as though he didn't care for her awkward expressions or her displeasure. "Please, let me go."
"I'm waiting for a response."
"I said 'I'm not interested.'" She tried again.
"That's not the answer I was looking for." He bared his teeth and pushed her hips into the locker, making her shut her eyes in pain as the loud sound filled her ears. "It's either we go to lunch together or I force you to—"
Their silent conversation was cut short when Sasuke rounded the counter of the halls. His bag was slung over his shoulder lazily as his hands were stuffed into his pocket. "Suigetsu." His voice echoed in the hall.
Stepping back away from the shaking girl in front of him, he scoffed and rolled his eyes as he faced the dark haired man. "What do you want? I was just having a friendly chat, you know." Suigetsu said, trying to regain his composure.
Sasuke's eyes narrowed, his voice devoid of any warmth. "Friendly chat? From where I'm standing, it looked more like harassment." His words cut through the air, each one dripping with disdain.
Suigetsu scoffed, attempting to brush off the gravity of the situation. "Come on, Sasuke, don't be so serious. I was just messing around. Can't you take a joke?"
Sasuke's gaze bore into Suigetsu with an intensity that made the white-haired man swallow hard. "Leave," Sasuke commanded, his voice sharp and unwavering. "We'll address this later."
Without a word, Suigetsu reluctantly stepped back, his frustration evident on his face. He watched as Sasuke firmly grasped Hinata's wrist and guided her away, their departure accompanied by an air of tension. Anger welled up inside Suigetsu, and he muttered a curse under his breath.
"Fucking hell," he whispered, his voice laced with both regret and frustration. He knew he had crossed a line and tarnished his friendship with Sasuke.
Hinata sat across from Sasuke, her gaze fixed on the array of food in front of her. She absently moved her chopsticks, rearranging the dishes without taking a single bite. Sasuke observed her actions, growing increasingly frustrated as he glanced at the paper he had placed in front of her, originally intending to discuss their homework. With a sigh, he couldn't help but voice his concern.
"What's wrong with you?" Sasuke asked, his tone laced with a mix of curiosity and exasperation, his eyes searching for any sign of a response. Yet, to his dismay, Hinata remained silent; her thoughts seemingly a million miles away. He reached out and gently touched her hand, hoping to break through her distant demeanor.
Startled by the contact, Hinata flinched, snapping out of her thoughts. "Oh, sorry," she stammered, her voice betraying her distracted state. "It's nothing, really. I'm fine."
Sasuke scrutinized her with a bored expression, unwilling to accept such a dismissive answer. He leaned in closer, his gaze unwavering. "What is it?" He pressed, his persistence evident. Determined to uncover the truth behind her troubled demeanor; he wasn't about to let her brush off her troubles so easily.
Hinata let out a heavy sigh, her voice filled with a mix of apology and vulnerability. "I'm sorry...I guess I was just scared." She confessed, her gaze averted, avoiding any direct eye contact with Sasuke. The weight of her words hung in the air as she struggled to find the right way to explain herself. "The way he touched me...it reminded me of the past," she finally managed to utter, her voice trembling slightly with the painful memories resurfacing.
Sasuke's body relaxed as he listened to Hinata's confession. He realized the gravity of her words and the significance of her vulnerability.
She touched the spot where Suigetsu had made contact, her fingers trembling slightly. "Something happened when I was younger, and I didn't have anyone to protect me," she murmured softly, her voice barely above a whisper. The weight of her past experiences lingered in the air, unspoken but palpable.
Sasuke's eyes softened as he listened to Hinata's words, a mixture of curiosity and concern filling his gaze. "What about your parents?" He inquired gently, sensing the emotional weight behind her hesitation.
Hinata's lips quivered slightly as she fought back the tears welling up in her eyes. She took a deep breath, trying to compose herself before responding. "Well...my parents...they've been gone for a long time. Before...before that happened," she revealed, her voice quivering with a hint of sorrow. She paused for a moment, collecting her thoughts, and continued, "but that's okay because years later, Naruto was there to cheer me up."
As she spoke, a single tear escaped her eye and trickled down her cheek. Hinata swiftly wiped it away with the back of her hand, mustering a faint smile despite the lingering sadness in her eyes.
"How did they...?" Sasuke's voice trailed off into a whisper, his eyes filled with sympathy as he realized the depth of Hinata's loss. He understood the weight of her words, the pain she carried within her.
Hinata took a deep breath, her voice trembling slightly as she recounted the tragic event that changed her life forever. "They went to a party with some friends...and on their way back home, another car...the driver wasn't paying attention." she explained sadly. "It drove them off the road." A shiver ran down her spine as she vividly remembered that fateful night.
"I was only seven when they died," Hinata continued, her voice growing more subdued. "My brother; Neji and I, we had to live in an orphanage with my two-year-old sister." Her eyes glistened with unshed tears as she spoke of the separation that followed. "We all got separated at one point... until my brother found me." A pang of longing laced her words as she mentioned her sister. "But we couldn't find our sister...We searched everywhere."
Sasuke listened intently, his gaze unwavering, understanding the immense weight of Hinata's past. He reached out and gently placed his hand on hers. "I lost my parents too."
Naruto's gaze lingered on Hinata and Sasuke as they engaged in what seemed to be a serious discussion. A knot formed in his stomach, a mixture of concern and protectiveness surging through him. His mind raced with thoughts and assumptions, fueled by his deep-rooted connection with Hinata.
As Sasuke's hand reached towards Hinata, Naruto instinctively turned away, unable to bear the sight. The surge of jealousy welled up within him, clouding his judgment. His fist clenched tightly as possessiveness gnawed at his thoughts. Hinata was his best friend, his companion through thick and thin, and he couldn't bear the thought of someone else taking her away from him.
In the midst of his emotional turmoil, a sudden realization struck Naruto like a bolt of lightning. What if Sasuke had ulterior motives? What if he was trying to exploit Hinata's vulnerability to fulfill his own desires? Anger and indignation surged within Naruto, fueling his determination to protect Hinata from any potential harm.
"That dick."